The Alan and Barbara Mirken Department of Neurology is internationally renowned for its broad clinical expertise and patient-centered, proactive approach. At the department’s core is its ability to deliver not only specialty care but also general neurology care with equal dedication and passion. Our neurology specialists pride themselves in providing exceptional, individualized treatment to all of our patients in a compassionate and collaborative environment.

The general adult neurology division administers comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for adults with a wide range of neurological conditions. We will help you locate the most appropriate general adult neurologist and subspecialist, if needed. Neurological conditions can affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves, which can impair function and cause pain, numbness, or tingling sensations. Because these conditions may impact a patient’s quality of life and even his or her ability to function independently, the department employs a multi-disciplinary approach. Our general adult neurologists, who are also subspecialists in conditions such as Parkinson’s or stroke, will consult and coordinate your care with other movement disorder specialists such as neurosurgeons, nurses, speech therapists, neuropsychiatrists or neuropsychologists, physical or occupational therapists, and social workers. These teams of innovative and caring professionals will address all aspects of your diagnosis and strive to reduce its effect on your daily life.

The department also collaborates with colleagues throughout Mount Sinai Beth Israel and the rest of the Mount Sinai Health System, including neurosurgeons, endovascular surgeons, rehabilitation experts and therapists, and other professionals.

This warm, collegial and patient-centered atmosphere exists in tandem with a world-class reputation for clinical excellence. Patients across the tri-state area, throughout the country, and around the world travel to receive treatment from our neurology specialists. Medical residents and fellows are equally compelled to seek out the department to develop themselves professionally and learn from our movement disorder specialists within the department’s several educational programs. Furthermore, the department is actively involved in many research efforts with other institutions and is included in many important multi-center, national trials.

Diagnosing General Neurological Cases
Many neurological disorders are diagnosed through clinical evaluation of the patient’s history and symptoms. Sometimes specific tests are needed, for instance, using electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The department has full access to all the state-of-the-art diagnostic modalities and the expertise to use them to their best advantage in seeking accurate diagnoses.

Treating General Neurological Cases
All methods of treating general neurological conditions are available and include:

Medication

When appropriate, inclusion in clinical trials for new medications and protocols

Educating a patient on self-management. For instance, migraines can often be controlled with a patient's understanding of certain triggers like diet or sleep patterns.

Pain management

Physical therapy to improve and retain function

Speech language pathology

Occupational therapy to give patients adaptive living skills

Coordination with the Continuum Center for Health and Healing for teaching relaxation and therapeutic alternatives such as meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, Feldenkrais Method for movement, dance and exercise

Practical and emotional support for the patient, caregivers and family, including various support groups and input from the department’s social workers

Collaborative psychological and psychiatric counseling and evaluation when necessary to help patients with co-existing conditions (depression, anxiety, memory loss) that can accompany some neurological conditions

Referrals to other medical disciplines as needed (surgeons, for example)

Ongoing care and follow-up. In fact, because of the chronic condition of some neurological conditions, the department attentively follows some patients for decades.